2015 Yukon Quest will include changes to mandatory stops

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Mushers in the 2015 Yukon Quest 1,000 Mile International Sled Dog Race may be changing their strategies due to new rules involving mandatory stops.

After receiving input from mushers, veterinarians, officials and staff, the Rules Committee reviewed the mandatory stops in the race and resolved to make some significant changes. The layover in Dawson City has been decreased from 36 hours to 24 hours. That rest time has been applied to other mandatory stops by increasing all previous four hour mandatories to six hours and adding another six hour floating mandatory in the last half of the race. Drivers will have their choice of location for this mandatory. The final eight hour stop still remains in Two Rivers.

​“We wanted to distribute the rest more evenly along the race course to promote more rested teams. The Quest is an ever evolving race that is always trying new things to promote better dog care,” said Bruce Lee, Vice-Chair of the Yukon Quest International Rules Committee.

The new rules will be beneficial for mushers and canine athletes.

“The new changes to the race rules allow the Yukon Quest to continue to keep dog care at the forefront of its missions,” said Kathleen McGill, DVM, member of YQI Rules Committee. “Pre-race veterinary exams, on-the-trail veterinary care, and the musher’s knowledgeable care of the dog team, are three very important parts of the Quest’s goal for excellent dog care. The Yukon Quest Rules Committee considers input from judges, veterinarians, staff and mushers to maintain that high standard of care.”